Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) have been a significant challenge for hospitals and health systems for years now. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in 25 patients has atleast one HAI at any given time. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of environmental surfaces such as beds, sheets, pillows, and more, are critical to effective infection control and prevention but traditional cleaning programs often fall short. This is where newer technologies, such as ultraviolet light and real-time locating systems, maceration, air sterilizers, and fogging machines are putting new teeth in the war on HAIs and helping hospitals increase room turnover time.
UV lights, for example, add a new level of disinfection above routine cleaning and sterilization and are often used in rooms following the discharge of patients with multidrug-resistant organisms to prevent transmission to an incoming patient. Producing a high-intensity UV light, which covers the entire disinfecting spectrum (UV-C), this energy then passes through the cell walls of bacteria, destroying nucleic acids and disrupting DNA, thus, killing or inactivating the microorganism, preventing its reproduction. Furthermore, since UV disinfection has no residual effect, it’s a great alternative for wards, especially if they’ve been closed for a deep clean.
In addition, there are also technologies such as real-time location systems to enhance hand hygiene, which is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection both inside and outside of the hospital. These systems integrate sensors with dispensers to detect usage. Besides, with the power to destroy several bacteria and viruses, fogging machines are particularly useful in large clinical settings, especially if there’s been an HCAI outbreak.
Highlighting these new developments in the infection control and prevention landscape, MD Tech Review has compiled a list of leading infection control solution providers that are at the top of their game. The enlisted organizations are transforming infection control and prevention at the convergence of several disruptive technologies. Besides, the magazine also comprises insights from thought leaders in the sector on the industry trends, best practices, recent innovations, and their advice for aspiring CIOs.
We present to you MD Tech Review’s “Top 10 Infection Control Solution Providers – 2020.”
